Dennis, a new reader, who is continuing his tutoring believes the award he received in 1999 helped his motivation: “That award I won was like a stepping-stone, and whatever it took to win it, I did it.” Tanya, who is learning disabled and still enrolled in a GED class, recalls February of 1994 “when I was the award winner I was on cloud nine. It was a wonderful feeling, that I was important. I felt honored to meet all different kinds of people from all over. My kids are very proud of me. When I got into the GED class it was really remarkable how I started out from a beginner reader and where I am now.” Ursala, who overcame an addiction to alcohol, speaks of the thrill of being acknowledged for her achievements: “You know that moment where you get done with the banquet and you go and you talk in front of like 200 people, that was the most euphoric high that I have ever experienced. No drug, no drink could touch it.”

Program Results

Program results are examined below in terms of constructive criticism by knowledgeable participants who addressed critical issues and in the heartfelt testimony of participants who described learner outcomes as the difference adult education made in their lives. Beyond the common call for additional funding and flexible hours, participants addressed such critical issues as: the stigma of “illiteracy;” the pressure to “complete;” and practitioner professionalization.

The Stigma of Illiteracy

The stigma of illiteracy was mentioned in the interviews time and again by basic literacy participants who remember being told that they were stupid (Agnes), could never learn (Conrad), and could not expect to go to college (William). One of the most potent results of involvement in adult education is a revised self- image. This new self-image says:

You don’t have to run around being stupid all your life for no reason at all. There’s a lot of free education out there. If it benefits you, then use it. Like I said, there’s things going bad in my life, but it’s not deterring me because now that I have the education and the knowledge and the know-how, there are things that I can do. Positive things. Quincy

In my case, just being a dyslexic always made me feel that I was stupid and dumb, but I’m not stupid and dumb. I find out now that I am a very smart lady if I may say so for myself. Marcia

We’re all in it to learn something. We persist and go on and still try to learn. It’s okay to say I don’t know; I’ll try to find out. Anna

They would say they’re too old to learn the language. I would say it’s never too late. If you really want it, you will do it...You need to show your knowledge about what you want. You have to learn so you will be ready for the assignment to a good job on your own. Benny

I started Gannon College one month after (I had my baby). I didn’t get into my major but I got into Gannon. So the following year they said that if you go through nursing school and take algebra and chemistry. I finished those and got the grade I needed to get into the radiology center. So it was one thing after another but it all started with my GED. Gina